Cornerback Chris Johnson expected to end San Diego State’s NFL draft drought
San Diego State has not had a participant chosen within the NFL draft the previous three years, this system’s longest draft drought over the previous six a long time.
That is expected to change — maybe as quickly as Thursday evening, when the primary spherical of the 2026 NFL draft is carried out in Pittsburgh.
SDSU cornerback Chris Johnson is projected as a first-or second-round decide.
“I’m excited,” Johnson mentioned earlier than an on-campus exercise earlier this week. “I’m excited about the opportunities, just being able to play more ball on that elite level.”
Union-Tribune draft professional Eddie Brown ranks Johnson because the third-best cornerback within the draft, and tasks that he’ll go thirty second general to the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL.com’s mock draft lists Johnson because the fourth cornerback chosen within the first spherical, going to the Dallas Cowboys with the twenty fourth general decide (after buying and selling down with Cleveland). ESPN’s mock has Johnson going to Kansas City with the twenty ninth decide.
If he’s chosen on the primary day, Johnson can be the eleventh first-round decide in program historical past and the primary since 2018, when the Seattle Seahawks took operating again Rashaad Penny with the twenty seventh general decide.
Johnson shared Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors final season. He improved his draft inventory with a standout effort in February on the NFL mix, highlighted by a 4.40-second time within the 40-yard sprint.
The three-day draft begins with Thursday’s first spherical at 5 pm (ABC/ESPN). Rounds 2 and three are Friday, with the ultimate 4 rounds on Saturday.
The overview of Johnson on NFL.com credit him for having the ability to play inside or outdoors and says, “While many faculty corners lean on lax officiating to seize and maul, Johnson stays disciplined. He trusts his footwork and method to stay tight to the route. He assaults the catch level with run-through drive and is a tenacious wrap-up tackler who can shortly end performs. Big receivers can steal some high-points, however not sufficient to trigger concern. Johnson’s protection versatility, toughness and athleticism ought to make him an early starter for a coverage-hungry staff.”
Brown known as Johnson “a smooth, instinctive outside corner who pairs sticky coverage with real ball production.”
SDSU teammates who might be late-round picks embody offensive sort out Christian Jones, cornerback Bryce Phillips and security Eric Butler. If they are not chosen, the gamers are actually candidates to signal as most popular free brokers. Former Aztecs middle Ross Ulugalu-Maseuli, edge Niles King and kicker Gabe Plascencia are amongst different potential free-agent signings.